Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection to access the CS Virtual Desktop from off-campus

Any computer connected to the Mount Union network can access the CS Virtual Desktop using a web browser.  So if you have your own computer and are on campus, or if you use a computer in one of the labs on campus, you can directly access the CS Virtual Desktop using these instructions.

If you are using a computer that is off-campus and therefore not connected to the Mount Union network, you can connect to the campus with a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, connection, and then use a browser to connect to the CS Virtual Desktop.  If you live off campus or commute to Mount Union, this gives you a way to access the course resources and campus network from home.

If you wish to set up a VPN connection, there are several steps that must be completed:

  1. You must first apply to IT for the right to use such a connection.  Only users who have an academic need will be authorized to use a VPN connection, and as a student in a course in the CS department, you have such a need.  The application form for you to fill out is linked to the second step at the bottom of this web page — click on the "Request Access Here" link.  The approval process may take a couple of days, and you will not receive an reply message telling you that you have been granted access.  Contact Prof. Cindric via e-mail if your VPN access isn't working after a few business days and he will work with the IT staff to hopefully work out any problems.


  2. Once you have been approved, you need to install the GlobalProtect software that enables VPN connections to our network on your computer.  The instructions for doing this are here in the third step at the bottom of the web page; there are separate instructions for Windows computers or Macs.


  3. You only need to install the GlobalProtect software once; after that, you use it to connect to Mount Union's network.  The instructions are part of the documentation that you used to install the software in the previous item in this list.


  4. Once you are connected to the campus network via GlobalConnect, you can use a web browser to access the CS Lab Virtual Desktop.